EMEA Associate Director, Business Development
Locations: Visp or Basel
Working Pattern: Remote with 50% regular travel involved
The role
We are seeking an EMEA Associate Director of Business Development to drive growth across Lonza’s Specialized Modalities platform, including cell therapy, viral vectors, exosomes, mRNA, and microbial development and manufacturing services.
In this role, you will build strong customer relationships across mainland Europe and develop new business opportunities. You will work closely with internal experts to deliver tailored solutions that meet customer needs and clearly demonstrate Lonza’s value.
***** The role involves regular travel of up to 50% to meet customers and attend industry events.
What you will get
An agile career in a dynamic and innovative working culture
An inclusive, ethical, and safety‑first workplace
Compensation programmes that recognise performance and contribution
A range of benefits depending on role and location
Access to our full global benefits offering: https://www.lonza.com/careers/benefits
What you will do
Build and manage a strong pipeline by engaging customers and developing new opportunities
Own the sales cycle from first contact through to negotiation and deal closure
Understand customer needs and position Lonza’s Specialized Modalities solutions effectively
Develop a broad network across the cell and gene therapy, mRNA and Microbial markets
Plan for, organize and attend customer meetings, conferences, and industry events to generate new leads
Share market insights and competitive intelligence to support commercial strategy
Collaborate with internal teams to deliver tailored proposals and smooth account handovers
What we are looking for
A BSc or MSc or PhD in a scientific discipline is preferred
5+ years of commercial experience in the CDMO space within the pharmaceutical industry
Fluent written and spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
Proven experience managing a full sales or project lifecycle
Proven previous involvement in contract negotiations in a leading role and as part of negotiating contracts. Ability to proactively lead all stakeholders involved up to final close of a contract
Ability to create customer‑focused presentations
Knowledge of the drug development lifecycle
Strong technical understanding of cell and gene therapy, mRNA and Microbial manufacturing principles
Experience using CRM tools such as Salesforce is desirable
About Lonza
At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With over 30 sites across five continents, our teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion, and Integrity guide how we work and succeed together.
Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. If you are excited about helping transform breakthrough ideas into life‑changing therapies, we would love to hear from you.
Ready to shape the future of life sciences?
Apply now.
Skills Required
- BSc, MSc, or PhD in a scientific discipline
- 5+ years of commercial experience in the CDMO space within the pharmaceutical industry
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Experience managing full sales or project lifecycle
- Proven experience in contract negotiations
- Ability to create customer-focused presentations
- Knowledge of drug development lifecycle
- Strong technical understanding of cell and gene therapy, mRNA, and Microbial manufacturing principles
- Experience using CRM tools such as Salesforce
What We Do
At Lonza, we enable A Healthier World by supporting our healthcare customers on the path to commercialization. Our community of 16,000 talented employees work across a global network of more than 30 sites to deliver for our customers across the pharma, biotech and nutrition markets.
